Which transfer bonus gives me the best value right now?

The 30% Amex transfer bonus to British Airways, Aer Lingus, and Iberia (running through September 27) is a standout because it effectively gives you free Avios on every point you move. According to the coverage, you can use Avios to book short American Airlines flights within the U.S., fly to Hawaii from the West Coast for as few as 31,000 Amex points roundtrip (after the bonus), or book a lie-flat seat to Europe starting at 25,000 points. The bonus also unlocks access to Qatar Airways Qsuites, which the source calls "the best and cheapest way you'll find" to book that product. The key caveat: never transfer points without a specific redemption in mind, because transfers are one-way.

If you're a renter, the new Qatar Airways card benefit through Bilt is worth a look. Holders of either U.S. Qatar credit card can now earn 3 Avios per dollar on rent paid through Bilt, up to $50,000 per year. The source notes that the 3% processing fee means you're effectively buying Avios at a penny each, which is "worthwhile on its own" — and the card spend also counts toward status and rebates on award surcharges. Plus, simply having a Qatar card unlocks the ability to use Avios for other people, a workaround for recent restrictions.

For those focused on hotel stays, the new Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant and Bevy welcome offers are improved. The Brilliant card offers 150,000 bonus points plus a $250 statement credit after $6,000 in spend within six months, while the Bevy offers 125,000 points and a $150 credit after $5,000 spend. Both offers run through September 30, 2026. The source doesn't directly compare these to the Amex transfer bonus, so you'll need to weigh whether you value Marriott points for hotel stays more than the flexibility of Avios for flights.